After deciding to celebrate Festival alone, walking in the Lowcragi Mountain Range, Wit, a young delf comes across a mysterious fortress hidden in the mountains. Shortly after he finds a number of bodies. Wit decides it is essential that this information be brought to the attention of the Ministry of Delflia in Lowen. As he begins the journey home he is attacked and left for dead by an unseen assailant.

Seriously injured Wit struggles back to Lowen and reports his findings to the Council. It is determined that, accompanied by a Troll, a man and two others, Wit should return to Lowcragi to investigate the fortress.

In order to escape the attentions of the townsfolk, Wit and his party secretly leave Lowen but it soon becomes clear that someone has discovered their plan and is following them.

Will Wit and his companions make it to the fortress and discover its secret?

Castledance is the first volume of the Chronicles of Fiarah; a fantasy series aimed at young adult readers. It is a well-paced story of mystery and intrigue with vivid characters and a compelling plot.

As with many epic fantasies, Castledance follows the exploits of a mixed band of adventurers who, between them, encompass all the skills necessary to defeat the enemy. Don't get me wrong, I am not saying that this story feels even remotely contrived. It does not. It follows the long-established "formula" for a successful saga.

When you consider the target audience for this series, K.L. Morgan has managed to write an entertaining story but without including anything that could offend or upset younger readers. Castledance is definitely suitable for a "night-time story" (especially if read aloud by someone with a penchant for accents).

Good clean fun!